Need advice on searching. Do I have too high of an expectation?

So I’ve been looking on and off for a couple of years now, but I can never get a good deal in my area/price range. Obviously I search everywhere, because Bay Area Tacoma’s are expensive as all hell.

I’m looking for anything from 2000-2015 that is an Xtracab/access cab, V6, 4x4, and finally a manual. I am always searching for this unicorn and hoping I find one under 160kish miles. My cap is around $16,000.

Am I just out of my mind thinking I can find my future Tacoma for that price range? The only ones I’ve been able to find a good deal on there’s always something sketchy that makes me walk away (like rusted frame, seller that won’t let me get it inspected, etc.)

 

I'm selling my Tacoma right now with 120,xxx on it with all of the things you are looking for. I have an ad up in the for sale section. PM me if interested. I am located in Fresno.

 

You’ve got a nice truck on your hands! Not for nothing, but how hard would it be to swap out the Pre-Runner bumper setup? Did you do it yourself?

 

jump on it...youve made a few posts about this already and now a solution presents itself. lucky you

 

The time to buy something is when it’s in front of you. Don’t walk away and come back, it may be gone.

 

Very easy, like 4 bolts lol.

 

Whats your reasoning for being dead set on a V6? Towing? In the first gens, a 4cyl+5 speed MT setup is a fun little truck thats actually more peppy then some give it credit for.

 

I concur. I love my I4 Tacoma. I’ve had a V6 Tacoma before and it got V8 fuel economy with 4 cylinder power.

 

Haha I had the complete opposite happen for me. I had a v4 and switched to a V6. I lost like 2 mpg but gained a lot more power (or at least it seemed to me lol)

 

That's a unicorn if you got a v4 engine...

 

Reason I’m dead set is years ago I had a 4 cylinder 4runner and boy going up hills in that thing was tiring. I understand that without the top on the back, the weight change probably makes a difference but I’d rather go over powered than kick myself after buying a 4 cyl.

 

https://bakersfield.craigslist.org/cto/d/bakersfield-2003-toyota-tacoma-xcab-trd/6935516963.html

Think this guy is too rusted? You can see it on the leaf springs, and a little deeper into the underbody.

 

I'm right there with on this... I had a 4 banger 4runner and upgraded to a V6 DC Tacoma and yes, MPGs decreased slightly, but I feel like there is a considerable power/torque upgrade.

 

That's how you end up with a truck with a swiss cheese frame or other issues you ignored because you got tunnel vision.

This is the same game that salesmen play. "You need to buy this now or someone else will buy it, and no, we won't lower the price."

OP: you don't NEED a truck. You want one. You run a risk with ANY used vehicle but if you're getting a weird feeling, don't feel pressured into it. Skip it and live to fight another day.

That's nothing, at least from what you can see. If that truck lived in/near Bakersfield it's whole life, you have little to worry about at least with the rust thing... never hurts to take a look at it and bring a ballpeen hammer with you when you do...

 

Can I piggy back your thread?

I’m looking for a 1st gen, auto , trd 4x4 or sr5 4x4 with under 160k miles and I’m finding not a whole lot in the bay area.

My budget is around 15k at the absolute most and I’m wondering if I’m asking for too much.

 

I think you gotta buy chiefo’s truck man. It looks good, fell into your lap, and is about as local as you can get for the used tacoma market.

 

You're going to have to expand your search area. They're out there, but you gotta put the time in and look far and wide.

I'm betting you can find a truck for far less than that if you are willing to drive a fair bit or even fly. If you found a good one in Nevada or Arizona for $10k, you're still coming out ahead even if you spent a grand on a plane ticket to fly out there to get it.

 

I wouldn’t mind in fact I’d enjoy it. I love the desert and love adventure. Just wondering if I’m barking up the wrong tree to begin with.

I’m also not in a hurry and willing to do the work. Im also a bicycle guy and have searched for 3-4 years for frames and finally found them. Part of the thrill is the chase.

 

Then you're in for a good chase. Take your time and expand your search area. $15k is about what you 'd expect to see for a truck in pristine condition at a dealer.

I bet you don't even need to leave CA to find one.

 

16k for a first gen... that's insane.